This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-29599067

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Slough pub plan below alcohol misuse centre sparks anger Slough pub plan below alcohol misuse centre sparks anger
(1 day later)
Slough residents have voiced their opposition to a pub opening below an alcohol and drug treatment centre.Slough residents have voiced their opposition to a pub opening below an alcohol and drug treatment centre.
A lease for The Assembly is being offered in the High Street next to The Turning Point centre.A lease for The Assembly is being offered in the High Street next to The Turning Point centre.
The site, which was vacant for several years in which time the centre opened, previously had a licence so does not need approval to reopen as a bar.The site, which was vacant for several years in which time the centre opened, previously had a licence so does not need approval to reopen as a bar.
A former client at the centre has started a petition calling on the council to revoke the licence.A former client at the centre has started a petition calling on the council to revoke the licence.
A Slough Borough Council spokesman said: "The building where Assembly is has been a drinking establishment for several years so it doesn't require a change of use.A Slough Borough Council spokesman said: "The building where Assembly is has been a drinking establishment for several years so it doesn't require a change of use.
"Like other pubs and bars, the town centre is considered to be an appropriate location.""Like other pubs and bars, the town centre is considered to be an appropriate location."
He added there was a pub opposite and off-licences nearby, and that "drop out rates" at the centre were improving.He added there was a pub opposite and off-licences nearby, and that "drop out rates" at the centre were improving.
But the former client, who wishes to remain anonymous, said it was the council that moved the treatment centre to its current premises three years ago.But the former client, who wishes to remain anonymous, said it was the council that moved the treatment centre to its current premises three years ago.
He said: "Funding for drug and alcohol misuse has already been cut to next to nothing over the previous few years, and now this.He said: "Funding for drug and alcohol misuse has already been cut to next to nothing over the previous few years, and now this.
"I think this is a disgrace to Slough as a supposed community-led council.""I think this is a disgrace to Slough as a supposed community-led council."
A spokeswoman for Star Pubs & Bars, which owns The Assembly, said: "The site, which was previously a nightclub, has been advertised for the past 12 months but has received minimal interest to date.A spokeswoman for Star Pubs & Bars, which owns The Assembly, said: "The site, which was previously a nightclub, has been advertised for the past 12 months but has received minimal interest to date.
"Its future is therefore uncertain at the current time." "We have recently put some renewed effort into finding an operator who is prepared to join us in bringing the site back to life.
"As matters stand though, it is not certain when or if it will open again. We are committed to operating our pubs responsibly, and if the situation regarding the Assembly changes, we will of course share our plans with neighbours and the local council.
"We are very sensitive to the important work of the local treatment centre.
"However, the Assembly is in a popular town centre location alongside other pubs, restaurants and businesses and there has always been a possibility that the pub would reopen one day."
Turning Point said: "Recovery is a long process and there are many difficulties and temptations in day-to-day life.Turning Point said: "Recovery is a long process and there are many difficulties and temptations in day-to-day life.
"While it is not possible to remove access to alcohol, we focus on supporting individuals to make the right decisions around drug and alcohol use.""While it is not possible to remove access to alcohol, we focus on supporting individuals to make the right decisions around drug and alcohol use."